Draft-equalizer.



I No.- 69l,785.- I v Paton ted Ian. 28, I902.

G. A. F. LABUDDE, 1n. I 2

'DRAFT EQUALIZEB.

(Application filed. May 11, 1901.)

(No Model.)

Witness UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GUSTAVE A. F. LABUDDE, JR., OF'EUREKA J UNOTION, WASHINGTON.

DRAFT-EQUALIZER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 691,785, dated January 28, 1902. Application filed May 11, 1901- Serial No. 59,754. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GUsTAvE A. F. LABUDDE, J r., a citizen of the United States, residing at Eureka J unction,in the county of Wallawalla,

State of l/Vashington, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Equalizers; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make'and use the same.

This invention relates to draft-equalizers; and it has for its object a device of this na- 'ture for use in connection with a wheel team and a knee team and which willoperate the draft of the two teams.

In the drawings forming a portion of this specification, and in which like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the several views, Figure l is a side elevation showinga wagon-tongue with the equalizer applied. Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the construction shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through that portion of the tongue having the slotted plate, which we see as the equalizing-lever. Fig. 4 is a detailed view showing the equalizing-lever.

Referring now to the drawings, '5 represents the wagon-tongue, at the base of which and intermediate of the forward ends of the hounds is a longitudinal slot 6, which extends vertically through the tongue, and upon the upper and lower faces of the tongue are secured plates 7 and 8, which are slotted to register with the slot 6, the forward end of the plate 7 being broadened beyond its slot to extend entirely across the tongue.

In the slots of the tongue and plate is disposed the equalizing-lever 9, having a perforation 10, which receives a pivot pin 11, passed transversely through the tongue and hounds and through the lever. Both above and below this perforation 10 are formed other perforations 12. Two clevises 13 and 14 are provided, one of which is adapted for engagement interchangeably with the upper perforation, while the other is adapted for engagement with the lower perforation interchangeably. A doubletree 15 has a clevis 16 engaged with the clevis 13, while a chain 18 is engaged with the lower clevis 14 and is taken erly adjusting the two clevises in their respective perforations the wheel team or the lead team may be caused to draw the greater portion of the load, as will be understood.

When the lead team is not used, it is desirable to hold the lever against pivotal movement, and for this purpose plugs 20 and 21 are provided and are adapted to fit in the slots of the tongue and plates between the lever and the ends of the slots. The forward plug 20 has an eye projecting laterally therefrom and to which is attached a chain 22, attached also to the tongue to prevent the plug from falling when drawn from theslot, the position of the eye being to prevent engagement thereof by the doubletree. The plug 21 has also a chain connecting it with the tongue for the same purpose.

It will be noted that the broadened end of the plate 7 prevents contact of the rear doubletree with the tongue and consequent wearing of the tongue.

What is claimed is In a draft-equalizer the combination with a slotted tongue having plates upon its upper and lower faces and provided with slots alining with the slots of the tongue, of a lever pivoted in the slot and projecting above and below the tongue, said lever having clevises connecting with its upper and lower ends and adapted for adjustment longitudinally thereof, a ring upon the under side of the forward end of the tongue, a chain connected with the lower clevis and passed through the ring and adapted for connection of a doubletree therewith, a doubletree connected with the upper clevis, and plugs adapted for engagement withthe slot of the tongue at opposite sides of the lever to hold-the latter against pivotal movement.

In testimony whereof I hereunto sign my name, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, on the th day of March, 1901.

GUSTAVE A. F. LABUDDE, JR.

Witnesses:

L. C. MARION, HARRY GILBERT. 

